Wyoming schools holding contest to choose new mascot and colors for its new high school

Katy Batdorff The Grand Rapids PressWyoming's Jackson Park Intermediate School fifth-graders (from left) Jalynn Rashid, Stephanie Bushman, Jennie Losinger, Emma Alayo, and Maddi Strodtbeck discuss an assignment last fall. The school board on Monday voted to consolidate the high schools and restructure the district to address budget problems and increase efficiency.

WYOMING - Wyoming schools is holding a contest to choose the new mascot and colors for its new high school.

The school board voted Monday 4 to 3 to consolidate Rogers and Wyoming Park high schools this fall to help address budget challenges and reflect declining enrollment. The move is expected to save the district of 4,700 students more than $1.5 million.

The new high school will be located at the current Rogers High School site, 1350 Prairie Parkway SW, and will house 10th through 12th graders. Wyoming Park High School, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW, will house students in grades 7 through 9. Newhall Middle School, which currently serves sixth- and seventh-graders, will close this fall but reopen to serve future fifth- and sixth-graders.

The board also voted to approve GMB Architectural firm to determine the current
status of all school sites, conduct a feasibility study for a possible bond and
options for remodeling and updating of facilities, according to the board brief. The firm will develop a strategic facility and educational plan for the next decade.

Superintendent Tom Reeder said the contest is open to students district-wide and parents and alumni are also welcome to submit recommendations. He said a decision could be made April 13. Wyoming Park’s mascot is a viking and Rogers' is a golden eagle.